Description 

Aesthetic appearance has always been a matter of prime importance. Traditional medicinal resources, especially plants contribute significantly in the management of skin conditions. Herbal cosmetics, particularly obtained from plants are used for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, coloring, softening or alteringthe appearance of body. Herbal extracts have been used to treat various ailments of skin, hair, and dental care and are primarily added to the cosmetic formulations due to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-aging properties. Herbal or phyto-cosmetics claimed to have efficacy and intrinsic acceptability due to less side effects. The Himalayan region in Pakistan is biodiversity hot spot and flora of this area is being utilized by local communities as food and for the treatment of various health disorders including skin infections. The tribal women in Himalayas use local herbs as natural cosmetic and for the protection and caring of skin. And demand of herbal cosmetics is increasing due to their purity, little or no side effects and impressive results.

This project is mainly focused on the composition and properties analysis of medicinal plants of the Himalayan region of Pakistan. Though, several plant species are being utilized for skin care and in the treatment of many skin infections but have rarely been explored yet. Therefore, in this project: Phytochemical profiling of medicinal plants of Himalayan region of Pakistan will be done with special emphasis on the estimation of polyphenolic, flavone compounds and vitamins along with in vitro antioxidant/free radical scavenging potential and antimicrobial activity, particularly against pathogens causing skin infection. This project will be helpful in the screening of novel herbal/plant resources with significant potential to care and protect the skin. Further, findings of this project will be a milestone in the selection of plant species for the production of novel natural cosmetic products on commercial basis.